American Shelf Project

The goal of the American Shelf Project is to educate interested audiences about the United States by promoting the understanding of American history, culture and values.

Opening a Window to America

• The American Shelves provide learning resources for audiences who live outside of Japan’s largest cities, and cannot otherwise access Embassy or Consulate Public Diplomacy programming.
• American Shelves contain American children’s books and American Studies reference materials.

Forging Lasting Relationships

• The American Shelf Project is a partnership between the Nagoya American Center and Japanese host institutions. The first American Shelf was established at the Fukui International Association in August, 2005.
• Under the American Shelf Project, the Nagoya American Center provides:

1. Reference and information support through the Nagoya American Center and a network of American Center libraries in Japan,

2. American cultural programs and other activities of U.S.-Japan interest, and

3. Training and consultations for Japanese library staff.

Building a Network of Communication and Understanding

There are eight American Shelves in Central Japan (All links below link to Japanese language websites):

• Nisshin City Library (Aichi Prefecture) (日本語)
• Fukui International Association (Fukui Prefecture) (日本語)
• Kakamigahara International Association (Gifu Prefecture) (日本語)
• Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange (Ishikawa Prefecture)(日本語)
• Nagashima Waju Library (Mie Prefecture)(日本語)
• Shinshu University Library (Nagano Prefecture)(日本語)
• Fukuroi City Library (Shizuoka Prefecture)(日本語)
• Toyama Prefectural Library (Toyama Prefecture)(日本語)